Austin, TX package bombs

[T.Lex]

Sorry if I missed the thread about this. Its a dangerous, but kinda odd, thing.
Deadly Texas parcel bomb attacks 'linked' - BBC News

Two package bombs that left a teenager dead and two others injured in Austin, Texas are believed to be linked to a case earlier this month, police say.
A 17-year-old boy died after opening a parcel and a woman in her 40s was wounded in the explosion, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said.
A 75-year-old Hispanic woman was also hurt when a package exploded elsewhere in the city on Monday, he said.
Police did not rule out the possibility of all three attacks being hate crimes.
The two explosions on Monday came days after a similar blast killed a 39-year-old man at his home in the Texas capital.

The sheer volume of packages being delivered at the home nowadays means that its almost impossible to ask people not to open stuff.

Crazy times.

(My gut reaction is that one of the victims will be the actual intended target of the bomber, but the rest will be diversions to make it look "random.")

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Yeah...I saw this headline on my FB feed a few minutes ago. Evil finds a way.

 

[HoughMade]

I have a standing order that the cats are to be let out on the porch to mess with the package before we bring it in the house. Winner either way.

 

[Vigilant]

I have a standing order that the cats are to be let out on the porch to mess with the package before we bring it in the house. Winner either way.

Bad idea, if the package blows, your porch will forever smell like *****!

 

[printcraft]

BAN MAIL BOMBS!

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

This wouldn't happen if we didn't have such easy availability of package delivery services. And AR15s. They must be involved in some way or other.

 

[KellyinAvon]

BAN MAIL BOMBS!

If only we could pass a law to make murder illegal. OH WAIT!! I've seen nothing about the type of explosive. The Internet makes being the Unabomber a lot easier.

 

[Leadeye]

Has anyone said what's being used as the explosive?

 

[KellyinAvon]

Has anyone said what's being used as the explosive?

I did some digging and could find nothing. Keeping that info (explosive type) close to the vest seems logical in an ongoing investigation. Although in a lib Mecca like Austin I could see them keeping it quiet if it is TATP or something used by terrorists, they can be PC that way.

 

[T.Lex]

Yeah, I haven't heard any specifics like that, either.

I suspect it is something homegrown, but that's only because the targets don't seem particularly attractive from an organized attack perspective. Not large groups of people. Not celebrities. Nothing that would get a ton of media cycles.

ETA

I can't put my finger on it right now, but this kinda reminds me more of the DC sniper thing. Random. Well, IIRC, a couple of the early victims (not in DC) were not random, but the rest basically were.

 

[Trigger Time]

Has anyone said what's being used as the explosive?

I Have a couple guesses. One I'm thinking of is highly volatile but would detonate with jarring or could be assisted with even a mouse trap. Made easily in your garage. Although it's highly unstable and dangerous to make let alone transport but it's doable.
It wouldn't be the number one choice by someone who is "highly skilled" but I don't put too much credibility into statements made by L eo's in an active investigation. They say some things intentionaly when they know it not to be true or accurate.
I've heard briefly that victims share a link but it's not being released. This may be the key, IF it's a former workmate or employee ECT. However most people don't share an average job ewith someone with the knowledge to remain undetected going to and fro and then add in explossives knowledge.
Could be a Unabomber type situation too where the nut job is targeting people who work in a certain field (like abortion or the gun industry) which spark a high emotional response in some people.

 

[hoosierdoc]

i heard these were hand delivered, is that true?

 

[KellyinAvon]

i heard these were hand delivered, is that true?

Not delivered by US Postal Service is what I've heard. That narrows it down to small package carriers, local couriers and everyone else. If it's an individual they'll show up on a camera, too many of them anymore.

 

[T.Lex]

https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/us/texas-austin-blasts/index.html

CNN reporting (so take that for what its worth) that:
- there appears to be a connection between the victims;
- the packages appear to have been hand delivered.

According to witness reports, these were some BIG booms.

 

[ghuns]

Where are the demands for TSA style checks for ALL mail and package delivery?

 

[T.Lex]

Where are the demands for TSA style checks for ALL mail and package delivery?

1. These weren't sent (apparently) by mail or 3rd party carrier.

B. You might be surprised at how thorough the US Postal Inspector's office is. In my experience (a long time ago) with them, they were pros and knew how to do an investigation, then turn it over to someone else for the accolades. They're more than happy if no one really knows what they do. (Mostly in a good way.)

 

[ghuns]

1. These weren't sent (apparently) by mail or 3rd party carrier.

B. You might be surprised at how thorough the US Postal Inspector's office is. In my experience (a long time ago) with them, they were pros and knew how to do an investigation, then turn it over to someone else for the accolades. They're more than happy if no one really knows what they do. (Mostly in a good way.)

Why let facts get in the way of some good ole fashioned Murrican fear mongering?

And I know it will never get traction. People value their right to Amazon Prime, 2 day delivery, more than their security.

 

[Thor]

Just saw a 'bomb expert' on FOX...said this wasn't a 2nd Amendment problem it was a 1st Amendment problem... He said access to the knowledge and materials needs to be considered...so, when terror implement tyranny.

 

[T.Lex]

Just saw a 'bomb expert' on FOX...said this wasn't a 2nd Amendment problem it was a 1st Amendment problem... He said access to the knowledge and materials needs to be considered...so, when terror implement tyranny.

Well, that's the logical next step....

 

[Bigtanker]

In 1985, Mark Hoffmann delivered 2 bombs to people. They killed 2. The third bomb went off in his car, wounding him. He was a forger that was counterfeiting documents for the Mormon church. He has be suspected of such and was trying to cover his tracks.

There are a lot of reasons why someone would do this. Too soon to tell for now.